Editors

My Favorite Jewels from the Couture Show

EditorsJul 01, 2019

My Favorite Jewels from the Couture Show

Fashion Editor Ashley Davis notes the styles that caught her eye at the jewelry trade show last month in Las Vegas.

20190701_FavCouture-Mizuki.jpg
Mizuki’s one-of-a-kind Baroque pearl earring was one of Fashion Editor Ashley Davis’ favorite jewels at the Couture show this year. (See the earring pictured on designer Mizuki Goltz below.)

At the 2019 edition of the Couture show I noticed several eye-catching trends—enamel at a fever pitch, a heart motif, and collarbone dusters rather than shoulder dusters, to name a few—that I’ll be writing about in the near future.

But there are always new pieces that defy explicit categorization, that are interesting progressions in designers’ stories.

So, while there were many new collections I’m inspired to cover in-depth, here’s a succinct glimpse of some standout jewels that have been on my mind the last month during that post-Vegas haze.


Colored diamonds received the Suzanne Kalan “Fireworks” treatment, with baguette diamond accents.

Each colored diamond is a different shade, providing dimension and interest at every angle. The collar itself rests at just the right spot on the neck.


Sylva & Cie specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces with exquisite, unique stones, but this Couture I was most enamored with a new style that’s a creative take on a ring stack: a ready-made wide gold band with attached diamond eternity. The rings are forever connected and effortlessly cool.

I’m hoping this style will become a regular in the collection.  


Lalaounis makes a great earring. The brand’s new, super-long drop was one of the styles that’s inspired me to write a collarbone-duster trend article (stay tuned).

But, this geometric chandelier was another of my favorites from the esteemed Greek jeweler. In person, its matte finish is radiant.


Pearl queen Mizuki Goltz creates special, one-of-a-kind pieces under the moniker Mizuki Privé. Each Couture, the designer seems to top herself with a Privé piece even more special than the year before.

Next year, I’m not sure it will be possible to beat 2019’s sword and Baroque pearl earring, but I can’t wait to watch Goltz try.


Polly Wales is another brand that breaks out the really extravagant and technically impressive one-of-a-kind pieces for the jewelry trade show, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw this year.

Applying her cast-not-set stone-setting method to this twisted statement earring seems to defy all technical rules. It’s my favorite Wales piece I’ve seen yet.


In the 1990s, a lifetime before she worked in jewelry, Jennie Kwon was a big fan of a costume bamboo-style door knocker hoop earring.

At Couture, she showed the Jennie Kwon version: a delicate fine jewelry take on the classic that is the perfect everyday hoop and so much more

interesting than a standard round style.


The enamel trend has reached a fever pitch, with so many designers employing it in their creations in a variety of fun shades.

No one has made the technique feel quite as whimsical as Holly Dyment, who shows with Muse at Couture. Her new floral styles are particularly joyful.


Marlo Laz has really found its footing with designer Jesse Lazowski’s insouciant mix of medallions, exquisite gold beads, exciting colored gemstone combinations and personally designed typography.

She’s recently been showing some one-of-a-kind pieces as well. This Paraiba tourmaline cluster ring was a major standout; I envision it as one very lucky human’s engagement ring.


What a treat to see Christina Alexiou, a new Greek brand, for the first time in person at the Muse booth at Couture after admiring it on Instagram.

The designer’s warm, tactile heart pieces seemed particularly refined for a new designer, and that’s because Alexiou has been designing jewelry for herself for decades before launching her line. A particularly noteworthy piece was this ship earring with its incredibly intricate detail.


Vram Jewelry had a unique approach to its displays this year; it didn’t have any. Instead, a single window atop its case provided a portal into the brand’s exquisite oeuvre. The designer and team pulled out pieces one-by-one in a tray, letting the anticipation build.

The wait was worth it. Among the many new styles was a spiraling rose-cut diamond earring, interspersed with small colored gemstones. Reminiscent of a seashell, it was the largest departure from Vram’s existing styles.


Of all the hoop earrings on the market, Jade Trau may have made the best statement version available right now.

The Penelope combines two hoops of varying sizes in one earring, and they’re connected (naturally; this is Jade Trau we’re talking about) with three sweet diamonds.


Lito’s Lito Karakostanoglou revisited one of her favorite motifs this year, the scarab. While scarabs past featured real elaborately-colored beetle wings sourced from Thailand, the designer took a different approach for 2019, using carved gemstones like labradorite and chrysoprase.

My favorite piece was her labradorite cuff. It looked fit for an ancient Egyptian princess.


It would be easy to spend an entire day of Couture lost in the Jacquie Aiche booth, examining every new pendant, ring and body chain.

A new, exciting direction for the designer was her large, beaded necklaces crafted from juicy gemstones like the pictured chrysoprase. They add a beautiful contrast when layered with Aiche’s gold and diamond necklaces and body chains.


Couture’s emphasis is on women’s jewelry, as are Chris Davies’ designs. But I fell in love with the opal flower brooch he wore on his lapel, totally suitable on a woman but beautiful on a man as well.

I think it’s an indication of one direction jewelry is headed, in which the lines that divide men’s and women’s styles blur.


Aisha Baker Jewelry was an exciting new addition to the Design Atelier. Its two designers met at the esteemed Central Saint Martins in London.

They’re Dubai-based now, but their jewels would feel most at home with Alice in Wonderland. If Marie Antoinette and Pop Art had a baby, it would be something like Aisha Baker. Their enamel ribbon motif was particularly unique and unabashedly fun.


Buddha Mama knows how to pull off a theme and this year’s was “Peace and Love”—think an upscale flower-child vibe. The 1960s-esque look blends seamlessly with their brand of more-is-more, fun-loving camp.

These diamond and gold flower drop earrings were the most mouth-watering of the entire bunch, which included sweet enamel necklaces for layering and some jaw-dropping statement pendants.

Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy